LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Fitness: Conversations Over Breakfast With Dave |
by Rick Moore |
Dave and I were having breakfast the other morning when I asked him if he'd heard about some scientific study reported on TV, which looked at finger length to determine if someone was gay or not. Lo and behold, on the next page of the newspaper, we found the article. Dave read it aloud and we both chuckled. A study of finger lengths found that gay women (lesbians to you and me) were more likely to have subtle masculine traits than straight women. It also found that gay men have higher testosterone levels than our straight counterparts. The study also states that sexual orientation is at least partly a matter of biologygosh, you think?and not simply a choice. Hey, I never chose to be gay. The authors said it's probably not a result of cultural or psychological influences. My parents were straight, and I was brought up in their environment with seven straight brothers, so the theory that the environment causes you to be gay doesn't hold water. The authors found that men with more older brothers were more often gay, possibly from escalating levels of hormones in the womb for successive boys. Let's see, I'm number six of eight boys. That's interesting research, to say the least. The finger survey was done at street fairs in San Francisco (there's a shocker) with 720 adults being interviewed. They were asked their sexual orientation, then they had their fingers measured. The fingers of lesbians were closer to the typical male measurement (with a shorter index finger) than the fingers of their straight female counterparts. Gay women, it seems, have higher amounts of male sex hormones in their early life, and gay men have much more male hormone than our straight brothers. I'll refrain from making tasteless jokes about all this. I just find it ironic that gay boys are taunted mercilessly for being effeminate, when they actually have more testosterone than the boys doing the taunting. The next topic of our morning conversation (and hence this column) was the delivery of my fitness center's new equipment, which we expect very soon. It's getting warmer now that spring is here, and we're seeing a lot of new people in the door. If you're looking for a fitness center to join, what should you look for? Well, I admit I'm biased, but I thought about some of the things that are important to me in a fitness center, and I made this little checklist for you to follow. It will help no matter where you live or what type of workouts you like: Cleanliness. Is the establishment really clean? Check the workout areas, equipment, bathrooms and locker rooms. You can't hide dirt or smells. Probably one of the most important aspects of choosing a facility is being comfortable with how clean it is. Do you ever see anyone cleaning while you're there? Is the staff available? You should be able to find a knowledgeable employee who is willing to help you. Do they look like they work out and take care of themselves? How can they help you if they aren't helping themselves stay fit? Is the equipment compatible with your needs? Everyone has his or her own preferences, but most people want a selection of pin-operated machines and free weights. Is there a good selection of cardiovascular training equipment like treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and the like? Is the equipment well maintained? All facilities have equipment breakdowns, but how many machines are out of service, old, or rusty? How's the layout? Is everything you need in one area, or is it spread all over the place? Are the cardio machines easy to find? Is there a good overall traffic flow? It can be a problem if things are too crammed together or too spread apart. Do they have more than one piece of equipment for each type of exercise? Redundant machines and accessories really help manage peak-time crowds and reduce the amount of time you will wait for specific exercises. Is the lighting good? The experts say people work out a lot better when there's an abundance of natural light. Is the lighting well maintained, or are there burnedout bulbs and dark corners? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Do they greet you when you enter, or ignore you once you become a member? Do you feel you can ask for their help? Is there a "positive energy? Take a look around you. Are the members and staff enjoying their time, or are people keeping to themselves? Are there separate facilities for men and women? Locker rooms with dressing areas and showers are a minimum requirement for most people. Are they reasonably private? How's the view? Are you working out in a box with no doors or windows to the outside world? If you're easily distracted, this might be your choice. Many people, though, prefer being able to watch the scenery. Is it easy to park there? Since you're probably going to drive, can you get in and out quickly? Will heavy traffic keep you away? Is the location convenient? Some people say this is the most important factor in choosing a health club, but I think you need to look at a combination of factors. A facility could be right next door, but not offer the type of atmosphere or equipment you want. So there you have it. Choose wisely, and you will really end up enjoying your workouts! Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by American Fitness Professionals & Associates. Visit his club, Rick's Fitness & Health in Milton. He's on the Internet at http://www.ricksfitness.net, or cal 302-684-3669. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 3, Apr. 7, 2000 |